Starting March, air ambulance operations connecting the Maldives and Sri Lanka are set to commence. During his two-day visit to Colombo, Minister Ameen held talks with Sri Lanka's Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Aviation.
Air ambulance services between the Maldives and Sri Lanka will begin from March.
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, currently in Colombo for a two-day visit, engaged in discussions with Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Aviation of Sri Lanka.
De Silva, sharing insights after the meeting, mentioned, "Considerable discussions were held regarding the transportation of victims of incidents in the Maldives to Sri Lanka for emergency treatment."
Minister Ameen noted that, historically, all medical evacuation flights operated to India. However, the Maldivian government has now opted to send patients to Sri Lankan hospitals due to the enhanced quality of emergency care in Sri Lanka.
Following discussions, an agreement has been reached to initiate the air ambulance service between Malé and Bandaranaike International Airport on March 1.
Minister Ameen, expressing this development, stated that the Sri Lankan government would grant all necessary permissions, and a dedicated unit will be established at Bandaranaike International Airport to facilitate air ambulance services.
After the meeting, Ameen posted on 'X' that Sri Lanka had agreed to develop a framework to allow time permits for flights operating in emergency situations such as medical evacuation. The minister did not elaborate on the air ambulance.
The government has decided to introduce eight air ambulances in the country from March 1. This is being done by converting two Dash 8 boats into an air ambulance. The conversion work is currently underway, as announced by the government.
This week, the government has also decided to introduce helicopter services for emergencies and medical evacuations.
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